Midlands universities look to future of European healthcare partnerships

Richard Luck, Associate Head of International at Coventry University’s School of Nursing, midwifery and Health, said: 

It is absolutely vital that we keep moving forward with education and development in healthcare training, and ensure we can retain a broader perspective for innovation across Europe and the rest of the world.

Partnerships like this one are going to be key beyond Brexit as an example of how we continue European collaboration, and continue to consider networking and partnerships opportunities across teaching and research.

We want to offer meaningful experiences and opportunities for students here and in other countries across UK healthcare training and education and this gives us a way to do that while also encouraging students to speak and have their say on issues so that they are a part of the process.”

Dr Steve O’Brien, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Society at University of Northampton said:

As one of only two universities in the UK to be members of the Florence Network, it has been a privilege to welcome our nursing and midwifery peers from across the continent.

The title of the conference made their visit to our new, £330m campus at Waterside particularly apt. ‘Future forward: the future of nursing and midwifery in a changing health arena’ captures not only the outlook for the professions, but also reflects how universities such as Northampton are embracing new technologies in our state of the art simulation suite and educational innovations to help shape future generations of nurses and midwives. We look forward to continuing our close working ties with the network in the months and years ahead.”

Susan Schärli-Lim, President of the Florence Network, said:

The Florence Network is a community of nurses and midwives reflecting the cultural diversity of the European Union. Its main goals include stimulating an organising the exchange of students and lecturers, contributing to the quality development of curriculum, to develop common projects and research, all to encourage the visibility of nursing and midwifery.  In a recent exploratory research the network allows a platform to exchanging ideas and experience and enhances personal and professional development, curriculum development in a conducive networking environment. We are delighted to be here in Coventry this week, and also visiting our partners in Northampton, to look at the future of so many aspects of healthcare training and education.”